Replaceable wheel or foot assembly and leg system for a sign display stand

ABSTRACT

A wheel/foot assembly for a sign display stand or other object includes a cradle partially enclosing an optional wheel. The assembly is releasably attachable to a leg for a sign display stand, protects the leg and can be easily replaced if worn. The assembly protects wear on the stand and permits the sign display stand to be wheeled, rather than dragged or carried. Because the assembly is releasably attached, it can be replaced easily if damaged or worn.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 15/642,926, filed Jul.6, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/360,617, filed Jul.11, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to display stands and systemsand components thereof for displaying free-standing signage, and moreparticularly, to a releasably attachable wheel and/or foot assembly thatcan easily attach and detach onto and off of a leg of a stand or displayand a leg assembly including the detachable wheel and/or foot fordifferent types of display stands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various sign display stands are in use today. Some sign stands aretripod or “A-frame” shaped and can be collapsed to a thin profile easilytransported condition. Others use parallel legs connected with crossmembers. Some have a narrow profile to fit though doors and havedifferent widths or heights to display different sized sign panels. Manysign display stands have either swinging or slide-in sign panels.

An example of a conventional sign display stand is shown generally inFIG. 42 as a stand 10. Stand 10 includes two legs 20, connected by across member 30. A display panel 40 is mountable on cross member 30,between legs 20.

In order to move stand 10, all of stand 10 must be lifted and carried,which is undesirable and exposes stand 10 to potential damage. Stand 10can also be dragged on one or more of its legs, which it is alsoundesirable and can cause damage to the portion of the legs in contactwith the ground and/or causes damage to the floor across which stand 10is dragged. Many stands are hollow, for ease in carrying and then filledwith water to provide weight to help them stay in place. Therefore, ifthe portions of the stand in contact with the ground become worn, eitherfrom being dragged or just normal wear and tear, the water filled legsmay leak and ruin the utility of the stand.

Certain conventional stands have wheels. However, these prior art wheelassemblies are not suitably replaceable and can require tools andcomplicated procedures to fasten and unfasten the wheels to the legs.Conventional stands also lack acceptable configurations for theconvenient installation and removal of wheel/foot assemblies to makesuch replacement satisfactorily convenient.

Certain conventional stands can be difficult to maintain in place. Inaddition, many conventional stands are insufficiently useful, regardlessof any wheel system. For example, many conventional stands cannotaccommodate either of a swinging panel and a slide-in sign panel, andswinging signs of different height sign panels from multiple pivotpoints. In addition, many conventional stands use interconnected legsand a variety of dedicated sizes and styles to accommodate eitherswinging or slide-in sign panels of different heights. Many signs usedifferent leg designs for wheels and/or handles. Many signs displaysingle sized sign panels and do not offer interchangeability betweenswinging and slide in modes, or different heights for swinging signs.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved display stand, wheelassembly and wheel/stand system that overcomes deficiencies in the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an improvedreplaceable wheel/foot assembly and a display stand including thewheel/foot assembly is provided. As used herein, unless specificallyindicated, the wheel assembly can be converted to a foot assembly byremoving the wheel, and will hereinafter, be referred to as a wheelassembly.

In one embodiment of the invention, the wheel assembly can include acradle and structures and configurations adapted to attach the cradle toa leg portion of the display sign stand (or other object). In oneembodiment of the invention, the wheel assembly can be clipped onto thestand or other object, without the need for screws, bolts or otherfasteners. The wheel assembly can be attached by one or more of: aresilient clamping action, the interaction of protrusions, such as hooksor claws into recesses or grooves, screws or bolts, and/or with a tongueand groove arrangement. The wheel assembly attachment configuration canpermit easy assembly and removal of the cradle from the leg of a displaystand or object. Furthermore, the assembly can be removed, the wheelremoved and the wheel-less assembly replaced, to act as a protectivefoot to reduce wear on the bottom portion of the leg. This isparticularly important with water filled designs.

In one embodiment of the invention, the wheel is located in the cradle,and positioned so that it will not contact the ground when the displaystand is positioned in its normal assembled configuration, which may beinclined to the ground or other surface on which the stand is supported.The wheels can be positioned so that they extend substantially sidewaysfrom the frame and substantially above the ground, so that as the frameis tilted towards the wheels, the wheels will eventually become loadedwith the weight of the display stand, the display stand will be liftedoff the ground and the display stand can be moved, easily, because thewheels can roll freely in the tilted position.

The wheel assembly can be constructed with two flattened bottomportions, with the wheel extending from a side thereof. The firstflattened bottom portion is preferably substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the leg, configured to rest flat when the legis perpendicular to the ground. Therefore, if installed on an A-framestand, the stand can rest on the first flat portion when the stand is inthe collapsed travel configuration. The second flat bottom portion ispreferably at an obtuse angle to the first flat portion and an acuteangle to the longitudinal axis of the leg. The second flat portion canbe located farther from the exposed portion of the wheel than the firstflat portion, to rest flat on the ground when the leg is inclined to theground, in an in-use A-frame position. Both positions protect the bottomof the leg from the ground, even if the wheel is not present. To thatend, ribs, feet and other structures can be included at the bottom ofthe wheel assembly to reduce problems associated with wear.

In one embodiment of the invention, only one leg of a two leg standincludes wheels. However, the wheel-free leg should include a wheel-lesswheel assembly, to protect the leg from the ground. Therefore, thereplaceable assembly, not the leg, will become worn with use and can bereplaced, while protecting the stand. This can be especially importantwith water filled stands.

The stand can have a leg formed with a bottom portion configured toreceive the wheel assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, thebottom of the leg includes a gap to receive the top half of the wheeland a pair of shoulders on both sides of the gap, to receive the axle ofthe wheel. A recess for receiving a cradle for holding the wheel and forcontacting the ground and positioning the leg off the ground can also beformed in the leg. Recesses, openings and protrusions can also be formedin the leg to help attach the wheel assembly to the leg, with or withoutthe use of screws or bolts. For example, two attachment plates withinwardly facing claws can extend up from the cradle. The claws canengage a groove in the leg as the wheel assembly is slipped over thebottom of the leg.

The stand itself can include a universal multi-use, interchangeable legthat allows the user to change sign panel size, height, format anddisplay method quickly and easily without replacing the legs, which canbe the most expensive part of the display stand. The stand can also bein the form with an A-frame design, which can be collapsed into a narrowprofile for ease in transport.

A universal leg can provide the user with a variety of display options.From a manufacturing perspective, the universal leg is less expensive toproduce, due to economies of scale and lower cost molding methods, andrequires less inventory since one leg can replace many different legstyles.

Accordingly, a wheel assembly and sign display stand is provided. Thedisplay stand can be configured to receive the wheel assembly and caninclude a leg having a base at a bottom portion thereof, a first sideextending up from one end of the base; a second side extending up froman opposite end of the base; an inner surface extending up from the baseand intersecting edges of the first side and the second side; an outersurface extending up from an opposite side of the base as the innersurface and intersecting opposite edges of the first side and the secondside as intersect the inner surface; and a top portion where the firstside, second side, inner surface and outer surface all meet. The leg caninclude a first channel located in the inner surface at a positioncloser to the first side than to the second side, the first channelconfigured to receive the edge of a sign panel; and an optional secondchannel located in the inner surface at a position closer to the secondside than to the first side, the second channel configured to receivethe edge of a sign panel. The leg can include at least one protuberanceextending out from and positioned on the inner surface, preferablysubstantially along a longitudinal axis of the leg, optionally close toa top end of the inner surface, where the first side intersects thesecond side.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the drawingsand the specification to follow and the scope of the invention will beindicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from thespecific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sign display stand leg according toone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sign display stand leg according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view a long line AA of the sign displaystand leg of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sign display stand according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a partially assembled sign display standaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembled sign display standaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a sign display stand according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled sign display standaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a sign display stand according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled sign display standaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a partial front view of an assembled sign display standaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a sign display stand having wheels,according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembled sign display stand havingwheels, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a partially assembled sign displaystand having wheels, according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembled sign display stand havingwheels in use, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective partially enlarged view of an assembled signdisplay stand having a torsion spring, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective partially enlarged view of a partiallyassembled sign display stand having a torsion spring, according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wheel assembly according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the outside surface of a display stand legwith a wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of a portion of the legof FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the inside surface of the leg and wheelassembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly of FIG.26 taken along line CC;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the inside surface of the assembly ofFIG. 23;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the assembly of FIG. 23 without the wheels;

FIGS. 32A and 32B each show an alternate enlarged partial view of thedisplay stand leg and wheel assembly of FIG. 23;

FIG. 33 is a front view of the inside surface of a leg and wheelassembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the leg and wheel assembly of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the leg and wheel assembly of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the leg and wheel assembly of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an A-frame display stand having a wheelassembly having two flat sections, in the expanded in-use condition, inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the stand of FIG. 37, in the collapsedtravel condition;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the wheel assembly the stand of FIG.37;

FIG. 40 is another perspective view of the wheel assembly of the standof FIG. 37;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a fully assembled display standincluding the leg of FIG. 23; and

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a display sign stand in accordance withthe prior art.

Throughout the disclosure, like reference numerals will be used toindicate similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. Itis to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shownherein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments, by way of example only, and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims,the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, andreference to a particular numerical value includes at least thatparticular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Rangesmay be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” oneparticular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particularvalue. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes fromthe one particular value and/or to the other particular value.Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatialreferences, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper,lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only andcan be varied within the scope of the disclosure. In particular, theyare intended to refer to the spatial reference of the display stand inits normal, assembled configuration during intended use.

A display stand in accordance with one embodiment of the invention caninclude two legs and each leg can include a first side; a second sideand a base. An inner surface of the legs can be defined by the firstside, the second side and the base. An outer surface of the legs can bedefined by the first side, the second side and the base. The outersurface can face the opposite direction of the inner surface. A channelcan be defined at or about at least one of the first side and secondsides on the inner surface. The channel can be configured to receive asign panel. At least one protuberance can be positioned on the innersurface and can be substantially along a longitudinal axis of the leg.One or more cross tubes and/or cross roads can be provided forconnecting the two legs in a spaced apart configuration.

An improved easily replaced wheel assembly, in accordance with theinvention, can be clipped (slid into friction-fit engagement) onto thestand, without the need for (but not precluding the use of) screws,bolts or other fasteners. The wheel assembly can include a well-shapedcradle and structures and configurations adapted to attach the cradle toa leg portion of the display frame. Screws, bolts and other fastenerscan also be used alone or in combination with other attachment methods.The assembly can be used with or without the wheel to protect the bottomof the leg from wear caused by contact to the ground.

The cradle can be positioned to extend from the bottom of the leg of astand. The leg can include a recess to receive the wheel, as well as arecess to receive the top of the wheel axle. The recess should be sizedto permit the wheel to spin in the recess. The leg can also include alarger recess to receive some or substantially all of the cradle. In oneembodiment of the invention, the bottom of the cradle is substantiallyflush with the bottom of the leg, but protects the leg from the ground.The top half of the wheel, above the axle, can be located in the wheelrecess with the axle below the recess. The cradle can extend from thebottom of the leg or be partially or substantially fully received in acradle recess of the leg below the wheel recess.

In one embodiment of the invention, the wheel is partially enclosed bythe cradle. The wheel can be positioned so that it will not bear theweight of the stand when the display stand is positioned in its normalassembled configuration, which in many configurations, is inclined awayfrom an exposed portion of the wheel. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, less than half of the wheel is exposed from the side of theleg, outside the cradle. In a more preferred embodiment, less than aboutone third or even less than about 20% of the wheel is exposed outsidethe cradle. When the stand is in its normal, assembled configuration andresting on the ground or other supporting base, the wheels can bepositioned so that they extend to the side of the frame so that when thetop of the frame is pivoted downwards, towards the ground, the wheelswill contact the ground, receive the weight of the stand, the reminderof the stand will be lifted, and the display stand can be moved, easily,because the wheels can roll freely in this tilted position. In oneembodiment of the invention, the wheel assembly can be easily removedfrom the leg, and replaced or repaired if it becomes worn or damaged,without the need for a complicated repair or replacement procedure orthe wheel can be removed and the wheel-less assembly will rest on theground and reduce wear and tear on the bottom of the stand leg.

The stand leg or other object can include a recess to receive a part ofthe wheel assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the recessincludes a slot or gap to provide clearance for the wheel to spinfreely. The bottom of the leg or object is positioned over the wheelaxle to help hold the axle in the assembly. In one embodiment of theinvention, the recess has a stepped-type configuration, with a slot forthe wheel to spin and shoulders on both sides of the slot to receive aportion of the wheel assembly, so that the assembly is flush with thebottom of the leg or object. In this embodiment, the shoulder helps holdthe axle in the assembly. The surface of the leg bottom or shoulderopposing the axle can be flat, but is preferably contoured to the shapeof the axle.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Features of the leg to which the wheel assembly can be attached will beshown generally with reference to FIGS. 1-17. Features of the wheelassembly and modifications to the leg to facilitate attachment of theassembly to the leg will be shown generally with reference to FIGS.18-40.

As shown in FIGS. 1-10, a leg 100 for a sign display stand includes afirst side 101, a second side 102 and a base 103. First side 101, secondside 102 and base 103 define an inner surface 104. An outer surface 105(shown in FIG. 1) is also defined by first side 101, second side 102 andbase 103, and faces in the opposite direction as inner surface 104.

The shape of leg 100 can be a triangle as shown, but other shapes arecontemplated. In addition, first side 101 and second side 102 can beconcave (as shown), straight or convex, and can vary in degrees. Theconcave shape provides for extra support and strength to leg 100.

In addition, leg 100 can be designed with structural holes 110 for evengreater strength and support. The curved shapes of structural holes 110provide additional strength, but structural holes 110 can be of anyvarying shapes and sizes. Structural holes 110 also serve the purpose ofreducing wind resistance of a sign display stand when assembled.

A channel 106 is formed at or about first side 101 on inner surface 104.For a two-sided display stand, a second channel 106 is provided at orabout second side 102. Channel 106 is shown with a similar contour asfirst side 101, but can be of a different contour. Channel 106, havingthe contour shown, provides for extra support and strength of a slide-insign panel when inserted (e.g., see FIG. 5). The width of channel 106 issized to accept a slide-in sign panel. Channel 106 is typically lessthan 1 inch in width, preferably ½ to ¼ inches and most preferably has awidth of about ⅜ of an inch, to accommodate most sign panels. Channel106 typically includes a channel stop 106 a positioned at the lower endof channel 106 to prevent the slide-in sign panel from sliding out ofthe bottom of channel 106.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in order to create a deeper back section foradded support of a slide-in sign panel 401, a raised inner portion 107can be configured on inner surface 104 of leg 100. Raised inner portion107 can also prevent slide-in sign panel 401 from blowing in. Raisedinner portion 107 is shown in the figures as extending the entire innersurface 104 itself being raised, but other configurations arecontemplated. For example, raised inner portion 107 can be configured asa raised edge or a series of raised sections, each of which would createthe added support for the slide in sign panel 401.

Positioned along a longitudinal axis of leg 100 are one or more optionalprotuberances 108. Each protuberance 108 includes an optional throughhole 111 that extends through both inner surface 105 and outer surface105. Protuberances 108 support cross rods 702 (see FIG. 7) to createpivot points (see FIG. 11) at various heights to accommodate differentsized swinging sign panels 701/901 (see also FIG. 9). Protuberances 108can be used with or without spacers or U channels 703 to allow swingingsign panel 701 to swing freely.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, protuberances 108 may include holes 1704,configured to accept a torsion spring 1701 that wraps around the pivotpoint (i.e. cross rod 702) with perpendicular arms 1703 that extend ontoor into both the side of a swinging sign panel 701 and into theprotuberance 108, in order to limit the travel of the swinging signpanel 701 in either direction. Other configurations of a torsion springor other resilient member to accomplish the results are contemplated.

Leg 100 can include one or more optional recess 109 for cross tubes 402.Recesses 109 typically include through holes for hardware (e.g., screw403). Cross tubes 402 connect 2 legs 100 and provide spacing for signpanel(s) 401, 701 or 709. Three or more cross tubes 402 can be used forslide-in sign panel(s) 401. Two or more cross tubes 402 and a cross rod702 can be used for swinging sign panels 701 or 901. Cross tubes 402 andcross rods 702 can be supplied in a variety of lengths with shortercross tubes 402 and/or cross rods 702 being used to display a verticalsign panel, and longer cross tubes 402 and/or cross rods 702 being usedto display a horizontal sign panel. A cross tubes 402 inserted intoupper recess 109 can be used to display a banner (not shown). Althoughrecesses 109 are described herein, one skilled in the art willunderstand a stand can be assembled using leg 100 without recesses 109.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate slide-in sign panel stands in various degrees ofassembly utilizing universal leg 100. In addition to the componentsdescribed above, assembled stand also can include a spacer 404 toprovide support to slide-in sign panel 401. Inserts 405 can also be usedto provide support and strengthen cross tube 402. FIG. 4 is an explodedview of a sign stand with universal legs 100 in its slide-in sign panelconfiguration. FIG. 5 is a partially assembled sign stand with universallegs 100 in its slide-in sign panel configuration. FIG. 6 is anassembled a sign stand with universal legs 100 in its slide-in signpanel configuration.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate swinging sign panel stands having different sizedsign panels in various degrees of assembly utilizing universal leg 100.In addition to the components described above, an assembled stand inaccordance with the embodiments of the invention also can include one or2 knob(s) 704 to attach to a threaded end of cross rod 702 to hold crossrod 702 in place.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a sign stand in accordance with preferredembodiments of the invention, with universal legs 100 in a swinging signpanel configuration. FIG. 8 is an assembled sign stand with universallegs 100 in a swinging sign panel configuration. This configurationemploys a relatively smaller swinging sign panel 701 that utilizes alower set of protuberances 108.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a sign stand with universal legs 100 in aswinging sign panel configuration. FIG. 10 is an assembled sign standwith universal legs 100 in its swinging sign panel configuration. Thisconfiguration is using a larger swinging sign panel 901 that utilizes anupper set of protuberances 108.

As shown in FIGS. 12-15, leg 100 can include wheels 1201 positionedalong the bottom of base 103 to facilitate easy moving of the assembledstand. The wheels can be removable. In addition, and also notillustrated, leg 100 can include one or more foot pads in addition to orto replace a wheel 1201, and positioned at the bottom of base 103. Thefoot pad can be of a rubber material to prevent the stand from slidingon a surface.

An easily detachable wheel assembly in accordance with preferredembodiments of the invention is shown generally as a wheel assembly 200in FIGS. 18-22. Wheel assembly 200 includes a cradle 210 supporting andpartially enclosing a wheel 226. Cradle 210 is formed with a wellsection 220 and a pair of facing attachment plates 211. Attachmentplates 211 extend upwards from well section 220 and are joined to wellsection 220 by flex-members 230. Flex members 230 optionally permit thepair of attachment plates 211 to be resiliently biased apart as wheelassembly 200 is slid onto the bottom of an object, such as a leg of adisplay structure, such as a sign display stand, similar to the displaystands depicted in FIGS. 1-17. Flex members 230 bias (optionally)attachment plates 211 inward, toward each other, to firmly press eachattachment plate 211 against the display structure. Nuts, screws andother attachment features can be employed.

Attachment plates 211 each include an outer surface 212 and an innergripping surfaces 213. Each inner surface 213 includes one or moreoptional protrusions, such as one or more claw or hook structures 214.Alternatively, attachment plates 211 can include recesses or openings toreceive protrusions from the object to which it is to be attached.Attachment plates 211 can also be formed with openings to receive hooks,protrusions, screws or bolts. Hook structures 214 are configured andarranged to engage corresponding surfaces on the display structure,which can be notched or stepped, to removably secure wheel assembly 200to the display structure, without the need for additional attachmentitems such as screws, bolts or adhesive. Therefore, the use of suchitems to secure wheel assembly 200 to the display structure is optional.

Well section 220 includes two outer vertical walls 221 and two innervertical walls 222. Well section 220 also includes a plurality of endsections 235. Outer walls 221 are provided with a plurality of optionalstiffening ribs 223. An upper portion of inner walls 222 are providedwith a pair of axle notches 224. An axle 225 of a wheel 226 is supportedby axle notches 224 and held in place when wheel assembly 200 isattached to the sign display stand.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, well section 220 includes a base portion227 at the bottom end thereof, which can protect the bottom of the standfrom the ground. Base portion 227 includes a plurality of feet 228. Feet228 are optional, and can be made from rubbery material, selected toprevent the display stand from sliding or durable material, to reducewear. Feet 228 can take the form or ribs, mounds or other structures toreceive wear from the ground. Feet 228 can also be sized to help raisewheel 226 off the ground.

The radius of wheel 226 can be selected to be no more than about thedistance from axle notches 224 to the bottom end of cradle 210 (baseportion 227 and/or feet 228), so that wheel 226 will not support thedisplay structure in its normal, in use condition. The radius of wheel226 can also be selected so that wheel 226 does not supportively touchthe ground when the display stand is inclined away from the exposedportion of wheel 226. In this inclined configuration, the radius ofwheel 226 can be equal to or slightly larger than the distance from axlenotches 224 to base portion 227 or feet 228, yet not support the displaystand until the exposed portion of wheel 226 is advanced towards theground. Optionally, the radius of wheel 226 and the dimensions of well220 and feet 228 can be selected so that wheel 226 is in contact withthe ground in the normal in-use condition, with the display standsupported by the ground, floor or other surface.

Axle notches 224 can be positioned a selected distance from end sections235 of well 220, that is not more than about the radius of wheel 226, sothat a portion of wheel 226 extends beyond end sections 235 and isexposed outside cradle 210. Therefore, when the display structure ispivoted about the bottom of cradle portion 210, towards the exposedportion of wheel 226, wheel 226 will contact the ground, floor or othersupporting base surface and act as a fulcrum to help lift the bottom endof cradle 210 off the ground and permit the display structure to bewheeled around on wheel(s) 226.

In the preferred embodiment shown in this disclosure, wheel 226 extendsin a substantially horizontal direction from cradle 210. In preferredembodiments of the invention, less than half, preferably less than onethird or even less than 20% of the wheel is exposed beyond wheelassembly 200. If not enough of the wheel is exposed, it becomes lesspractical and more sensitive to disruptions and requires too muchtipping before the wheels support the display.

A display stand leg and wheel assembly combination, in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the invention, is shown generally as aleg-and-wheel assembly 300 in FIGS. 23-27. When fully assembled, inplace on the ground, floor or other base surface (see FIG. 41), adisplay stand in accordance with preferred embodiments of the inventioncan include a pair of leg and wheel assemblies 300, which are preferablysubstantially identical and can have similar features, such as groovesand protrusions as leg 100 of FIGS. 1-10.

Leg-and-wheel assembly 300 includes a wheel leg 380 and a pair of wheelassemblies 310 attached (e.g. clipped, bolted or screwed) to the bottomof wheel leg 380. As indicated above, wheel leg 380 correspondsgenerally to and can contain many of the same features of leg 100, andincludes a pair of wheel recesses 350 for receiving wheel assemblies310. Wheel assembly 310 can correspond generally in structure andcontain many of the same features as wheel assembly 200.

A fully assembled sign stand 600, including a pair of wheel legs 380 anda sign 340, the edges of which are slid into a pair of channels 341 onlegs 380, is shown in FIG. 41. Stand 600 includes four wheel assemblies310′, which can be similar to wheel assemblies 310. As discussed morefully below, stand 600 rests on feet 327′ of wheel assembly 310′, whichcan be pads, ribs and the like, to raise leg 380 off the ground andprotect it from wear. To move stand 600, it is pivoted about wheels 326′in the direction of an arrow P, to advance the pair of wheels 326′towards the ground and lift feet 327′, such that stand 600 is supportedby wheels 326′.

Referring again to FIGS. 23-27, wheel leg 380 includes an outer surface381 and an inner surface 382 and first and second sides connecting innersurface 382 to outer surface 381. When assembled as a display stand orother structure having two corresponding leg and wheel assemblies 300,inner surface 382 will face the corresponding second inner surface 382of the corresponding leg 380 and the two outer surfaces 381 of thecorresponding wheel legs 380 will face in opposite directions.Typically, inner surfaces 382 will be inclined facing the ground in thetypical in-use condition and outer surfaces 381 will be inclined facingaway from the ground. Optionally, both legs 380 can include wheels 326in wheel assembly 310 or only one of the legs, with the other leg havinga wheel-less foot assembly (not shown).

Wheel recess 350 includes a wheel clearance section slot defined by atop wall 351, sized to provide a wheel 326 with enough clearance belowtop wall 351 to spin in wheel recess 350. Each wheel recess 350 alsoincludes a pair of downward facing shoulders 352, having inward surfacesfacing each other and facing each side of wheel 326. Shoulders 352 facea top portion 328 of a plurality of vertical walls 321 of wheel assembly350. Wheel 326 includes an axle 325, which is received by a pair of axlenotches 324, provided on a pair of top portions 328 of vertical walls321. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 23-32, axle 325 of wheel 326 is supportedby axle notches 324 of top portions 328 and can spin between shoulders352, beneath top wall 351, within wheel recess 350. Recess 350 should bewide enough to accommodate axle 325 and the bottom surface of shoulders352 help keep axle 325 in axle notches 324. The surface of shoulders 324facing axle 325 can be either flat or preferably contoured to the shapeof axle 325.

Wheel assembly 310 includes a pair of engagement portions 311, which arespaced apart and face each other. The facing surfaces of engagementportion 311 include a plurality of engagement hooks or claws 314.Engagement portions 311 can also be provided with a variety of otherstructures, such as protrusions and openings to enhance the grip andstrength of the attachment of engagement portion 311 to the surface towhich it is attached. Wheel recess 350 can include tongues and/orgrooves to receive engagement portion 311 in a tongue and grooveconfiguration. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the wheelassembly can include one or more protrusions that mate with one or morerecesses or openings on the object to which the wheel assembly is to beattached. Alternatively, the wheel assembly can include the recess (oropening) and the object the protrusions. Screws, bolts, snaps, rivetsand the like are also acceptable.

Wheel recess 350 includes an attachment surface 361 on outer surface 381and on inner surface 382 for engaging with each of the two engagementportions 311 of wheel assembly 310. Engagement surface 361 is shaped asa recess conforming to the dimensions of engagement portions 311 toprovide a flush mounting surface.

Thus, the leg and the wheel assembly can include projections, recessesor openings on the engagement portions to enhance the engagement of thewheel assembly to the leg. For example, there can be projections fromthe engagement portions received by recesses or openings on the legengagement surface or recesses or openings in the engagement portionsreceiving projections from the engagement surfaces. In one embodiment ofthe invention (FIG. 32A), to attach wheel assembly 310 to leg 380,engagement portions 311 of wheel assembly 310 are resiliently biasedapart, and slipped into place against the corresponding attachmentsurfaces 361 of inner surface 382 and outer surface 381, so that hooks314 engage corresponding portions of attachment surfaces 361. In oneembodiment of the invention, the hooks are claw-like protrusionsextending from engagement portions 311 and fit into recesses or notches,such as attachment grooves 362, in attachment surface 361 of wheel leg380. In another embodiment of the invention (FIG. 32B), the relativeposition of the hooks and openings are reversed, such that at least onehook 314 a extends from an attachment surface 361′ and fits into arecess or opening 362 a, formed in an engagement portion 311′. Notethat, engagement portions 311 need not be biased together and need notprovide a clamping force. Engagement portions 311 can optionally be heldin place by or with the supplemental assistance of bolts or screws andcan include openings to receive the bolts or screws.

As with wheel assembly 200, the radius of wheel 326 can be selected tobe less than about the distance from axle notches 324 to the bottom of abase 327 at the lower end of leg and wheel assembly 300, so that wheel326 is not in supportive contact with the ground when the displaystructure is in its normal, in-use condition. Optionally, the radius ofwheel 326 and the dimensions of cradle 311 can be selected so that wheel326 is in supportive contact with the ground in the normal in-usecondition. For example, the radius of wheel 326 can match the distancefrom wheel notches 324 to the bottom of base 327, so that wheel 326supportively contacts the ground when wheel leg 380 is vertical, but notinclined with wheel 326 facing away from the ground. Base 327 caninclude added feet or a thickened rib(s) to assist with wear resistanceof wheel assembly 310.

Wheel 326 preferably extends from a side 335 of wheel assemble 310. Tomove an assembled display stand in accordance with preferred embodimentsof the invention and utilize the wheel feature, the assembled device ispivoted, using the pair of wheel assemblies 310 as a fulcrum, so thatouter surface 381 is advanced towards the ground or other supportingsurface. As outer surface 381 moves towards the ground, the pair ofwheels 326 come into contact with the ground and bottom portion 327 islifted to permit the assembled stand to be rolled on wheels 326.

A wheel and leg assembly having a smaller recess to receive the wheelassembly and having more of the wheel assembly extending from the bottomthereof, is shown generally as a raised wheel and leg assembly 400 inFIGS. 33-36. Raised wheel and leg assembly 400 includes a raised leg 480and an extending wheel assembly 410. Raised leg 480 has an outer surface481 and an inner surface 482. Raised leg 480 includes a pair of wheelrecesses 450 having a top wall 451 to define a slot for receiving awheel 426 of extending wheel assembly 410. Each wheel recess 450includes an attachment surface 461 to which wheel assembly 410 can beattached.

Extending wheel assembly 410 corresponds generally to and can beidentical to wheel assembly 310. Wheel 426 has an axle 425. Extendingwheel assembly 410 also includes a cradle portion 421. Cradle 421 alsoincludes one or more pairs of axle notches 424 for receiving an axle 425of wheel 426. Wheel assembly 410 also includes a pair of attachmentplates 411 extending upwards from cradle 421.

Attachment surfaces 461 can be recesses conforming to the dimensions ofattachment plates 411, to provide a flush mounting surface. Attachmentsurface 461 can include an engagement notch 462 to receive one or moreprotrusions 414 from attachment plate 411. Attachment plates 411 areoptionally resiliently biased towards each other, to provide a clampingforce and help hold wheel assembly 410 to leg 480. One or more hooks 414or other structures can help hold wheel assembly 410 to leg 480.Optionally, attachment plates 411 can include holes or recesses toreceive hooks, claws or other protrusions from leg 480. Wheel assembly410 can also be held to leg 480 with the use of screws or bolts insteadof, or to supplement the other attachment structures.

To assemble extended wheel and leg assembly 400, wheel 426 is placed incradle 421 with axle 425 in axle notches 424. Optionally, only the wheelassemblies 400 of one of the legs will include wheels. Wheel assembly410 is then slipped in place, with attachment plates 411 againstengagement surfaces 461. The bottom portion of wheel assembly 410 (withor without a wheel) will extend downward from leg 480. Ordinarily, butnot exclusively, wheel 426 will not supportively touch the ground in thenormal in-use configuration. To move wheel and leg assembly 400, the topof leg 480 is pivoted in the direction of outer surface 482 until wheels426 contact the ground and acts as a fulcrum to lift the remainder ofwheel assembly 411 off the ground so that the stand can be moved withwheels 426. In one embodiment of the invention, the wheel can be omittedand a wheel-less extending wheel assembly 410 will act at a protectivebase for leg 480, to replaceably protect leg 480 from wear and tear.

An A-frame shaped display stand having a dual-flat surface wheelassembly, in accordance with another preferred embodiments of theinvention, is shown as an A-frame stand 500 in FIGS. 37-40. In FIG. 37,A-frame stand 500 is shown in its expanded, in-use condition. Referringto FIG. 38, A-frame stand 500 is shown in the collapsed, transportationcondition.

A-frame stand 500 includes a pair of A-frame legs 580 and 581. An angleA is the angle at the apex between leg 580 and leg 581. When in theexpanded, in-use condition, A-frame legs 580 and 581 are inclined to theground and a base 582 and 583 of legs 580 and 581, respectively, arealso inclined to the ground. If bases 582 and 583 are perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of legs 580 and 581, respectively, the angle ofthe base of legs 580 and 581 to the ground will be ½ angle A. In thecollapsed transportation condition, bases 582 and 583 are substantiallyparallel to the ground.

A pair of dual-surface wheel assemblies 510, including wheels 526, areprovided at base 582 of A-frame leg 580. A pair of dual-surface wheelassemblies 510′ are provided on base 583 of A-frame leg 581. Wheelassemblies 510′ are identical to wheel assemblies 510, but do notinclude wheels 526 as one embodiment of the invention.

Dual flat wheel assembly 510 is similar to wheel assembly 310, andincludes a pair of engagement portions 511, which are spaced apart andface each other. The facing surfaces of engagement portions 511 includea plurality of hooks or claws 514. Engagement portion 511 can also beprovided with a variety of other structures, such as openings orprotrusions, to enhance the attachment of engagement portion 511 to thesurface to which it is attached. The bottom portion of legs 580 and 581can include similar structures as leg 380 or leg 480, for receivingwheel assembly 510.

Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, dual-flat wheel assembly 510 includes afirst flat portion 527 and a second flat portion 528. First flat portion527 defines a plane that is preferably at an obtuse angle to a planedefined by second flat portion 528 (or at an acute angle to theextension of this plane) and is preferably closer to wheel 526 than issecond flat portion 528. Optionally, either first or second flat portion527 or 528 can include a supplemental foot portion or rib, such as onesimilar to foot 228. First flat portion 527 is configured so that whenA-frame display stand 500 is in the collapsed, transportation condition,first flat portion 527 will be perpendicular to longitudinal axis L ofleg 580 (and leg 581). If collapsed A-frame display stand 500 ispositioned vertically, longitudinal axis L of legs 580 and 581 will beperpendicular to the ground and first flat portion 527 will be parallelto the ground. Accordingly, collapsed A-frame 500 can stand in place,with first flat portion 527 substantially parallel to the ground.Likewise, if stand 600 with legs 380, shown in FIG. 41 is used withassembly 510, the longitudinal axis of leg 380 will be perpendicular tothe ground and the stand can be supported by first flat portion 527 andany foot or rib or other structure thereon.

Second flat portion 528 is configured so that in the expanded, in-usecondition, second flat portion 528 will be parallel to the ground.Therefore, if second flat portion 528 defines a plane that is ½ angle Ato the extended plane defined by first flat portion 527, second flatportion 527 will be parallel to the ground when A-frame 500 is in theexpanded condition.

Referring to FIG. 40, in the spread, in-use condition, base 582 of leg580 will define a plane inclined to the ground at an angle of about halfthe angle of apex angle A between legs 580 and 581. Therefore, secondflat portion 528 will preferably define a plane at an acute angle B tolongitudinal axis L of leg 580. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, leg 580 is at angle A to leg 581 (FIG. 37). It is thereforeat an angle of ½ angle A to perpendicular axis (plumb line) L to theground. Accordingly, second flat portion 528 preferably defines a planeat an angle of 90° minus (½ angle A) to the longitudinal axis of leg580, whereby it will be parallel to the ground in the in-use condition.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, angle A is 46° to 10°, morepreferably 40° to 20°. Therefore, half angle A is 23° to 5°, preferably20° to 10°. First flat portion 527 will be approximately perpendicular,within acceptable tolerances, to longitudinal axis L of leg 580 andsecond flat portion 528 will define a plane at an angle 23° to 5°,preferably 20° to 10° to the plane defined by first flat portion 527.This will be at an angle B of about 85°-67°, more preferably about80°-70° to the longitudinal axis of leg 580. Because first flat portion527 will be at an angle of about 90° to longitudinal axis L, first flatportion 527 can also be considered to define a plane at an angle C ofabout 175°-157°, more preferably, 170°-160° to second flat portion 528.

In this manner, dual-flat wheel assembly 510 provides a flat restingsurface for both the in-use expanded condition and collapsed,transportation condition. A-frame stand 500 can optionally be providedwith two sets of wheels 526 or one set of wheels 526. However, in eitherembodiment of the invention, the legs of stand 500 are protected.

Components of the system can be fabricated from materials suitable fordisplay stand applications, including, but not limited to, metal(s),plastic(s), wood(s), combinations thereof, etc. Various components ofthe system may be fabricated from material composites, including theabove materials, to achieve various desired characteristics such asstrength, rigidity, elasticity, flexibility, compliance, performance,and durability. The components of the system, individually orcollectively, may also be fabricated from a heterogeneous material suchas a combination of two or more of the above-described materials.

Where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure ina specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certaincircumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed,and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedureclaim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specificunless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claims.

While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have beendescribed in reference to the environment in which they were developed,they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions.Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, otherembodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention,and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those ofskill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A leg and wheel assembly combination for a display stand constructed to stand on a support surface, the leg and wheel assembly combination having a bottom and a top in an upward direction from the bottom, comprising: a first leg having a base with a bottom surface and a top end opposite the bottom surface, the first leg formed with structures configured and adapted to support a sign; a first wheel assembly releasably attached to the base of the first leg, and comprising a first cradle releasably attaching the first wheel assembly to the first leg; the first wheel assembly comprising a wheel having a rotation point about which the wheel is adapted to rotate, the wheel partially enclosed within the first cradle; the bottom surface of the first leg defining a first wheel assembly recess having a wide gap portion and a narrow gap portion with a width smaller than a width of the wide gap portion, the narrow gap portion located upward from the wide gap portion, the first cradle positioned at the wide gap portion of the first wheel assembly recess with a portion of the wheel upward from the central rotation point positioned in the narrow gap portion of the first wheel assembly recess.
 2. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 1, and further comprising a second wheel assembly comprising a second wheel, releasably attached to the base of the first leg.
 3. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 2, comprising a second leg, and the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly both attached to the base of the first leg.
 4. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 1, and wherein wheel assembly includes first and second attachment members engaged with respective first and second engagement surfaces of the first leg, the first attachment member comprising projections, recesses or openings to enhance the attachment of the first attachment member to the first leg.
 5. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 4, wherein the first and second attachment members are resiliently biased toward each other.
 6. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 4, wherein at least one projection extending from the first attachment member is received by a recess or opening in the first engagement surface, or wherein an opening in the first attachment member receives a projection extending from the first engagement surface.
 7. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 4, wherein the first engagement surface comprises a first recess in the first leg and has dimensions configured to receive and engage the first attachment member.
 8. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 1, wherein the narrow gap portion has dimensions to permit the wheel to spin therein and the rotation point is positioned below the narrow gap portion.
 9. A leg and wheel assembly combination for a display stand constructed to stand on a support surface, the leg and wheel assembly combination, comprising: a leg having a base with a bottom surface and a top end opposite the base, the leg formed with structures configured and adapted to support a sign; a first wheel assembly releasably attached to the base, the first wheel assembly comprising a cradle having a bottom portion and defining a downward direction from the base of the leg toward the bottom portion of the cradle and an upward direction opposite the downward direction, a first attachment member and a second attachment each extending in the upward direction from the cradle and a wheel having a central rotation point supported and partially enclosed by the cradle, a portion of the wheel extending outside the cradle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the downward direction, the wheel positioned above a bottom portion of the cradle, and wherein the cradle and the wheel are positioned and configured so that when the cradle is placed on the support surface, the wheel will not support the leg unless the leg is inclined sufficiently toward the support surface by a selected amount to pivot the wheel in the downward direction to place the wheel in supportive contact with the support surface.
 10. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 9, wherein less than one third of the wheel is exposed outside the cradle.
 11. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 9, wherein less than 20% of the wheel is exposed outside the cradle.
 13. A leg and wheel assembly combination for a display stand constructed to stand on a support surface, the leg and wheel assembly, comprising: a leg having a base defining a wheel well surface and a top end above and opposite the base and defining a downward direction from the top end to the base, the leg formed with structures configured and adapted to support a sign; at least one wheel assembly cradle releasably attached to the base, the cradle including a first attachment member, a second attachment member, and a wheel having an axle supported by the cradle and the wheel partially enclosed by the cradle, the wheel well of the leg defining at least one wheel recess having dimensions to permit the wheel to spin therein and a cradle recess located downward from the at least one wheel recess, and sized to receive a portion of the cradle; a top portion of the wheel located upward from the axle positioned in the wheel recess; and substantially the entire wheel is positioned upward from a bottom portion of the cradle.
 14. The leg and wheel assembly of claim 13, wherein a bottom portion of the cradle includes a first flat portion defining a first plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the leg and a second flat portion defining a second plane at an angle of about 5°-23° to the first plane.
 15. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 13, wherein the cradle and wheel of the wheel assembly comprises a wheel means for supporting the combination in a display condition wherein the cradle is in contact with the support surface and in a rolling condition wherein the leg is tilted towards the support surface and the wheels come into supportive contact with the support surface to lift the cradle off the support surface.
 16. The leg and wheel assembly combination of claim 13, and comprising an attachment means for releasably attaching the at least one wheel assembly to the leg.
 17. A releasably attachable wheel assembly, comprising: a cradle adapted to be releasably attached to a display stand leg, the cradle defining a downward direction and an upward direction opposite the downward direction, the cradle having: a bottom surface at a downwardmost portion thereof; an interior portion adapted and configured to support and partially enclose a wheel with a portion of the wheel extending outside the interior portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upward direction at a position upward from the bottom surface; a first and a second attachment member extending in the upward direction from the interior portion, the first and second attachment members adapted to attach the cradle against the leg and including attachment structures adapted to enhance the security of the attachment of the cradle to the leg; and the cradle and the wheel adapted and configured so that when the bottom surface is placed on a horizontal support surface, the wheel will not supportively contact the support surface unless the cradle is sufficiently inclined with respect to the support surface by a selected amount to pivot the wheel in the downward direction to place the wheel in supportive contact with the support surface.
 18. The wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein the attachment structures on the attachment members include projections, recesses or openings.
 19. The wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein the wheel rides on an axle and the axle is supported within the interior portion of the cradle.
 20. The wheel assembly of claim 19, wherein less than one third of the wheel is exposed outside the interior portion of the cradle.
 21. The wheel assembly of claim 19, wherein less than 20% of the wheel is exposed outside the interior portion of the cradle.
 22. The wheel assembly of claim 19, wherein the attachment members are resiliently biased towards each other.
 23. The wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein a bottom portion of the cradle includes a first flat portion defining a first plane at the bottom surface and a second flat portion defining a second plane at an angle of about 10°-20° to the first plane.
 24. The wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein a bottom portion of the cradle includes a first flat portion defining a first plane at the bottom surface and a second flat portion defining a second plane at an angle of about 5°-23° to the first plane and the first flat portion is closer to the wheel than is the second flat portion.
 25. The wheel assembly of claim 24, wherein the second plane is at an angle of 10°-20° to the first plane.
 26. The wheel assembly of claim 17, wherein the attachment members comprise attachment means for releasably attaching the cradle to the leg.
 27. A method of moving the sign display stand of claim 1, comprising the steps of: from a starting position, wherein the cradle is resting on the support surface and the wheel is not, tilting the stand until the wheel contacts the support surface and acts as a fulcrum to lift the cradle off the supporting surface; and rolling the stand on the wheel.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the wheel is exposed outside one side of the cradle at a position upward from the bottom surface, and the cradle and wheel are positioned and configured so that if the cradle is placed on a support surface, the wheel will not contact the base surface unless the leg is inclined to the support surface by a selected amount to place the wheel in supportive contact with the support surface. 